06/20/2026
Mandible – Lateral 30° Cranial (Axiolateral Oblique) Projection
Technique 1: The patient lies supine with the trunk slightly rotated and supported with pads so that the side of the face under examination is in contact with the image receptor. The median sagittal plane is parallel to the receptor and the interpupillary line is perpendicular. The neck may be slightly flexed to separate the mandible from the cervical spine. The image receptor is positioned parallel to the long axis of the mandible with its lower border approximately 2 cm below the mandibular margin.
Technique 2 (Trauma/Horizontal Beam): When the patient cannot be moved, the examination is performed with a horizontal beam. The patient remains supine with the median sagittal plane at right angles to the tabletop, and the image receptor is supported vertically against the side of the face being examined.
Central Ray: Directed 30° cranially (60° to the image receptor) and centered approximately 5 cm inferior to the angle of the mandible on the side nearest the receptor.
Collimation: Include the entire mandible and temporomandibular joint (TMJ), extending to the external auditory meatus (EAM).
Image Criteria: The body and ramus of the mandible should be demonstrated without superimposition, and the entire mandible from the TMJ to the symphysis menti should be included.